On 15 July 2020, the APEC Focus Group, held its first meeting at Baan Dusit Thani, Bangkok. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Anuson Chinvanno, Director of the International Studies Centre (ISC) under the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and co-hosted by the Department of International Economic Affairs in collaboration with ISC.

 

Participants were briefed by Mr. Cherdchai Chaivaivid, Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs on geopolitics and APEC before exchanging views on the driving forces shaping the world economy and APEC’s relevance amidst ongoing and future disruptions as well as post COVID-19 economic recovery plans. The meeting also discussed how to promote multi-stakeholder engagement during Thailand’s chairmanship in 2022.

 

The APEC Focus Group is an academic and knowledge platform that will play an important role in formulating the theme and priorities for Thailand’s chairmanship of APEC in 2022. The group comprises leading experts from academia, the private sector and media, such as Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of the National Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (TNCPEC), Dr. Pichet Durongkaveroj, former Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Mr. Chartsiri Sophonpanich, President of Bangkok Bank, Dr. Somkiat Tangkitvanich, President of the Thailand Development and Research Institute (TDRI) and APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) members. The APEC Focus Group is expected to meet approximately every 6 months before the finalisation of the theme and priorities for APEC 2022.